BEEVILLE — Police department investigators believe they have cleared at least four of 28 recent vehicle burglaries with the arrest of a 29-year-old local man.

Detective Sgt. Matthew Miller confirmed Friday that Cruz Molina Lopez was arrested in the 400 block of West Bowie Street by Patrolman Josh Meakins just after 5 p.m. Thursday.

Police Chief Joe Treviño said the burglaries had been going on for about a week and a half in the northeast part of town. A number of the burglaries had been reported by residents in the Birdland neighborhood.

Miller said Lopez was charged with two counts of burglary of a vehicle, both Class A misdemeanors, and one count of theft of property, a Class C misdemeanor.

If convicted of the Class A offenses, Lopez could be sentenced to a year in the Bee County Jail and fined $4,000 for each offense.

A conviction on the Class C misdemeanor could result in a $500 fine.

Miller said Lopez had one previous conviction on a charge of theft of property in Nueces County. He became a suspect in the burglaries when he was arrested on another charge and officers noticed he had a number of items that could have been stolen.

The detective said one of the victims was able to identify an iPod that had been stolen from his vehicle.

Lopez was taken before Justice of the Peace Abel Suniga, who recommended bond at $10,000 on each of the burglary charges for a total of $20,000.

Lopez was still in custody as of Friday afternoon, and his bail had not been formally set by a judge.

Treviño said Lopez was originally from Corpus Christi and had moved here from Corpus Christi with his family.

The chief said an observant neighbor had noticed the suspect in the area and called police. Patrolman Cecil Daniels identified him and reported the incident to Miller.

Treviño said the investigation into the other burglaries is continuing but officers believe he is the one responsible for the incidents that have plagued that neighborhood.

The chief credited his officer for quick police work in making the case and arresting the suspect.

Gary Kent is a reporter at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 120, or at reporter@mySouTex.com.